In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

BOB Alterrain Pro Review

High-quality, sleek jogger with enough features for every day use
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Price:   $600 List | $600 at Amazon
Pros:  Handbrake, upgraded suspension, covered storage, jogger
Cons:  Heavy, expensive, suspension isn't adjustable
Manufacturer:   BOB
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Sep 21, 2020
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72
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 20
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 7
  • Maneuverability - 30% 9
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 3
  • Quality - 10% 9

The Skinny

The BOB Alterrain Pro is the newest evolution in the BOB jogging stroller world and there is much to rave about in this high-end jogger. Compared to other BOBs this option is sleeker with a more refined and polished finished and less of a utilitarian look and feel. We like the crisp taunt canopy design and the impressive non-rethread harness adjustment. This option has a locking swivel front wheel, impressive suspension, an adjustable handlebar and a new quick slide and twist folding mechanism that will win your heart. The Pro can roll like luggage when folded and self-stands making it easier to use on-the-go, and the handbrake and newly designed parking brake work well. This BOB is more expensive than the others, so it may not be the best choice for smaller budget. However, it has the features and quality to justify the price and might just be the BOB you've been looking for.

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Our Analysis and Test Results

The Beast of Burden (BOB) company began in 1994 in California with Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny at the helm. With combined specialties of bicycle professional and the airline mechanic, they originally created Yak bike trailers. After fatherhood came calling, the two saw a gap in the market for a rugged stroller suitable for jogging. And with this, the original BOB was created. The BOB company is now owned by Britax.

Performance Comparison



The ALterrain is easy to use with new features we haven't seen on other BOBs.
The ALterrain is easy to use with new features we haven't seen on other BOBs.

Ease of Use


The BOB Alterrain Pro is easy to use and while it didn't win top honors here, it is still a straightforward stroller with useful features.

The Alterrain folds by twisting the handle under the seat and pulling. It is smooth easy and works well.
The Alterrain folds by twisting the handle under the seat and pulling. It is smooth, easy, and works well.

Fold and Unfold


This stroller has a simpler fold than other BOBs with a one hand slide and twist mechanism under the front of the seat. This BOB self-stands and can be rolled like luggage when folded, but it still lacks a carry strap or lifting handle. We love the improved fold and prefer it over the BOBs of yore.

You pres the center bar to set the Alterrain brakes. The pedal is easy to operate and worked every time during testing.
To release the Alterrain brake you lift from the bottom. It is comfortable even in flip-flops.

Brakes


The Alterrain Pro has a fancy new round bar brake pedal that engages brake "pins" into holes. The brakes are single action and work well. We didn't have any issues during testing and they feel somehow beefier than the brakes on other BOBs.

The handbrake on the Alterrain is easy to use for slowing ot a stop.
The handbrake on the Alterrain is easy to use for slowing ot a stop.

The handbrake is good for slowing the stroller when going downhill and is favored by runners everywhere. This feature worked well during testing and while it won't stop a stroller, it can sure help one ease to a slower stop.

The Alterrain storage bin has a zippered covered to keep things contained clean and dry.
The Alterrain storage bin has a zippered covered to keep things contained, clean, and dry.

Storage


The Alterrain Pro storage basket has a zippered cover to help protect whatever supplies you have on board. The cover is weather resistant and prevents items from falling out over bumpy roads.

The quick access pocket on the canopy flap is a great addition to the Alterrain and is big enough for most smartphones.
The quick access pocket on the canopy flap is a great addition to the Alterrain and is big enough for most smartphones.

The Pro also has a pocket that hangs off the back of the canopy flap, mesh pockets on the back of the passenger seat, and pockets inside the seat for tiny treasures and snacks. We like the passenger pockets and find them more useful than snack trays that many kids can't reach and that items fall off of.

The Alterrain canopy has a taunt design that covers most of the passenger for protection from the elements.
The BOB strollers all have giant peek-a-boo windows but the Alterrain has magnet closures we like for silent peeking.

Sunshade


The canopy on the Pro is waterproof and wind resistant. It offers UPF 50+ protection and comes with a peek-a-boo window that is mesh for ventilation. This canopy is taunt and less frumpy than other BOB sunshades and it offers a lot of protection for the passenger. The window cover has magnet closures which offer silent peeking, a plus over loud Velcro closure.

The new BOB buckle is stiffer than the old one and somewhat more challenging to operate.
The new BOB buckle is stiffer than the old one and somewhat more challenging to operate.

Harness


The 5-point harness and buckle on the PRO are both new and outfitted with the new BOB badge. We like the changes, but the buckle is stiff and somewhat harder to open and close than the previous BOB fare. The shoulder straps slide up and down for height and there is one pull strap to tighten the entire harness for fitting.

While we wish the BOBS had adjustable leg rests they are at least angled for more comfortable napping.
The Alterrain has a nice deep recline for extra cozy napping.

Seat


The Alterrain Pro has a one-hand seat recline but you'll need two to raise it. The leg rest is stationary but sits at a comfortable angle.

The Alterrain still sports the traditional two strap plastic toggle recline adjustment we think is somewhat dated.
The Alterrain still sports the traditional two strap plastic toggle recline adjustment we think is somewhat dated.

The seat is a sling-style seat with some padding and is deep for cozy napping.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Pro is compatible with some infant car seats from Britax, BOB, Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego. The adapters have two attachments for the stroller frame and a metal loop for carrier attachment.

Never Run with Infants
Generally speaking, most pediatricians recommend you wait until your baby is 8+ months old before moving faster than a quick walk. Babies lack the neck and core strength to support themselves over jarring terrain. Between 8-12 months, you can begin jogging on flat surfaces and uneven surfaces should be saved for babies older than a year. Check with your child's doctor before you start running.

Ease of Setup


The Pro took us 5:46 minutes to assemble with a helpful user's manual. Assembly doesn't require any tools and includes putting wheels in place and putting the canopy on. It is one of the easiest in the bunch to unpack and setup.


With a swivel front wheel and shorter wheel base the Alterrain can make tight turns and negotiate in almost any traffic jam.
With a swivel front wheel and shorter wheel base, the Alterrain can make tight turns and negotiate in almost any traffic jam.

Maneuverability


It is hard to find a stroller that moves better than a BOB and the Alterrain Pro is no exception. With a 3-wheel jogging design including locking swivel front wheel and off-road suspension, this stroller can take even the tightest turns without blinking an eye. The rubber, pneumatic tires and larger wheels keep bumps to a minimum and there is very little this stroller won't roll over. During testing, we had no trouble with grass, gravel, pavement, carpet, roots, rocks, curbs and more.

The Alterrain's handlebar rotates on a pivot point to adjust for the height of the pusher.
The Alterrain's handlebar rotates on a pivot point to adjust for the height of the pusher.

The rotating adjustable handlebar helps pushers of any height to find the right balance to avoid fatigue and awkward body placement that lead to discomfort. Whether you are navigating the tight aisles of a convenience store or the open range on a nature hike, this stroller will get you there.

The Alterrain is both heavy and large when folded making it a possible no-go for those with limited space or smaller vehicles.
The Alterrain is both heavy and large when folded making it a possible no-go for those with limited space or smaller vehicles.

Weight and Folded Size


The BOB Alterrain Pro is one of the most substantial strollers in the lineup, which hurt its overall rank. While the beefier wheels and brake system may be worth it for running and ease of use, many of the upgrades on the Pro increased the weight and size over the more traditional BOB offerings. The BOB weighs 31.4 lbs and is 17,357 cubic inches when folded. These measurements make it one of the heaviest and largest options in our full-size testing history. You'll want to check your car space for fit and you'll need to check your lifting prowess before you commit to this stroller.

The Alterrain is a step up from the usual BOB fare which already offered impressive quality.
The Alterrain is a step up from the usual BOB fare which already offered impressive quality.

Quality


Historically, BOBs are known for being durable and lasting almost forever. The Alterrain Pro seems of similar ilk with a solid aluminum frame and construction that lacked any errors we could see during our tests. The materials all feel and look high-end and there is no sway, flex, or play in any of the connection points. Fasteners and connection points are largely hidden and the parts that move, do so smoothly. This BOB lacks the adjustable suspension on the other BOBs but it feels suitable for most adventures and a comfortable riding experience for passengers. The overall fit and finish are one of thoughtful attention to detail and good quality control on the manufacturing level. The Pro we purchased didn't have any flaws we could find and it feels like it will live up to the brand's legendary lifespans.

Manufacturer Video



— Wendy Schmitz